The National Retail Federation reported a 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted sales gain from March to April, excluding autos, gas stations and restaurants, and a 3.9 percent gain compared with April 2012. The U.S. Department of Commerce said total retail and food service sales – which do include autos, gas stations and restaurants – grew 0.1 percent on a seasonally adjusted, month-to-month basis in April and 3.7 percent year-over-year.

The slight bump in spending was unexpected as consumers have been adjusting to the end of payroll tax cuts, with workers in some income brackets having $1,000 to $1,500 more taken from their paychecks each year. Economists in a Reuters poll had expected April store sales to decrease 0.3 percent.

The retail trade group says consumers are feeling more confident, thanks to strengthening jobs data, rising housing prices and a surging stock market.

“In the face of higher taxes and sequester, consumers provided the economy a bit of a reprieve this month,” NRF CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.

The sales data is encouraging, said Jack Kleinhenz, the trade group’s chief economist. But he warned that it might not mean a healthier second quarter.

Readers submit photos and information on employees who have recently been promoted, hired or honored at area businesses. Select photos will be published in the Maryland Business section of Tuesday editions of The Baltimore Sun. Caption size is limited and only photos are accepted in this feature....

Readers submit photos and information on medical professionals who have recently been promoted, hired or honored. Select photos will be published in the Health and Medicine section of Sunday's edition of The Baltimore Sun. Caption size is limited and only photos are accepted in this feature. Submit...